ANTIPOLO – Meralco played with a disability against Barangay Ginebra in their sudden-death for the last semifinals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as import Akil Mitchell dealt with two injuries in Game 3 at the Ynares Center.
Meralco oach Luigi Trillo disclosed Mitchell’s back spasm was compounded by a groin injury he suffered early in the game, leaving the 6-foot-9 import hobbling until the endgame of the Bolts' 94-87 loss to the Gin Kings.
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He finished with eight points on 2-of-11 shooting, but grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished off three assists in a valiant effort that went in vain.
Although hurting, Mitchell still played for close to 43 minutes.
“I wish we had a healthy Akil,” said Trillo afterwards. “He had a back (injury), and then his groin pulled in the first quarter. So you can see he’s not the same guy.
“He wasn’t aggressive, he only had one or two attempts. But sometimes those things happen in a game and he was brave enough to play.”
Even Ginebra coach Tim Cone bared he complimented Mitchell for the huge effort he made despite his fitness problem.
“I thought Mitchell was injured. You could tell he was not moving as well as he did in Game 2. His back issue I think came back,” said the 65-year-old Cone of the Meralco import. “But he still put up a huge performance. He was a warrior out there.”
But Trillo said the Bolts are not taking anything away from the Kings.
“Give credit to Ginebra, they played well,” added the Meralco coach. “I think they punished us by being patient on offense by moving the ball. A lot of weapon on that side.”
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